The Raspberry Pi Foundation launched the successful minicomputer back in 2012, named the Raspberry Pi Model B. Thanks to its success, the foundation has been able to release newer, updated models since its original inception. This time around, they’ve launched the much-improved Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, which is likely to be as, or even more, successful.

The aim of the unit was to provide something of a more usable PC, with improved performance thanks to the upgraded specifications. To put things into perspective, the unit will cost just R500 via the RS-online store [R446.86 excl. VAT to be exact]. The unit will be available from next week, 13th February 2015, and can be pre-ordered via the site. If this is still a little too pricey for your pocket, you can always fall back to the Model A+ version for around R350.

The Pi 2 Model B has already been dubbed as a “turbocharged” version of the Pi B+, which was made available last year. While the earlier versions had to be granted a bit a leeway in terms of laggy performance in performing certain functions, the same should not re-occur on the Pi 2. What’s really appreciated with the upgrade in hardware as that all your previous hardware- and software-related projects from the Pi 1 should work on the Pi 2 with its backward compatibility. Interestingly, this version is also tipped to support the upcoming Windows 10 OS, as part of the Windows Developer Program for IoT.